Ghana has signed a cooperation agreement with Japan and Japanese confectionery maker Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. to support the sustainable development of the country’s cocoa industry and promote a circular economy.
The Letter of Intent was signed by Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare on behalf of Ghana at an event in Accra on Monday to mark the 100th anniversary of Meiji’s Milk Chocolate. Japanese Ambassador to Ghana Hiroshi Yoshimoto signed for Japan, while Meiji Holdings’ Chief Executive Officer initialled the agreement for the company.
The agreement strengthens cooperation between Ghana, Japan and Meiji around the cocoa industry, although the government statement did not disclose specific investment commitments, project values or timelines.
The partnership comes as Ghana seeks to increase the value generated from its cocoa sector while addressing sustainability and waste challenges. The country is one of the world’s major cocoa producers, with the crop remaining an important source of export earnings and rural livelihoods.
Under the arrangement, the parties will cooperate on the sustainable development of cocoa and circular-economy activities in Ghana, potentially creating opportunities to convert cocoa-related materials into higher-value products.
The agreement also deepens a longstanding relationship between Ghana and Meiji, whose flagship milk chocolate product is marking its centenary.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Meiji presented the Ghanaian government with 10,000 ballpoint pens made from cacao bioplastic. The company described the gesture as an expression of appreciation for Ghana’s longstanding partnership and friendship with Japan.
Ofosu-Adjare congratulated Meiji on its 100th anniversary and wished the company continued growth and success.
Chief of Staff at the Office of the President Julius Debrah urged government institutions involved in the partnership to work together and focus on delivering results.
He said the government viewed Meiji’s contribution in the spirit of friendship and partnership between Ghana and Japan.
The Letter of Intent provides a framework for further cooperation, but details on financing, specific cocoa projects and measurable targets were not disclosed at the signing ceremony.
